"I mean this in the best possible way: Jac Jemc gives me the creeps. The Grip of It deserves a spot on the shelf beside Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, Henry James's The Turn of the Screw, and Mark Danielewski's House of Leaves -- not only because it is a masterful haunted house story, but because it, like its literary predecessors, is elegantly written, psychologically rich, and damn terrifying."

Washington Square Review declined the story I sent them. Their form letter is very kindly worded.

I've been reading Best American Short Stories 2016 and I think I'd tuned out of what kind of stories get that kind of recognition for a while. It's helpful to think in those terms again, and to decide if that's something I'm interested in/capable of pursuing. The stories feel very different from what I write and that seems fine. Diaz's picks are pretty spectacular.

The Women's International Study Center sadly declined me for a residency.

Conjunctions said no to an excerpt of The Grip of It I tried to turn into a fragmented story to fit their theme. Paper rejections are somehow always a leeeetle more disappointing to me, but that's countered by the fact that I love to get mail, so.

Is there anything sadder than receiving an encouraging rejection, only to send more work and receive a form rejection? Yes, and it is the state of our country. Thank you for giving me a second chance, West Branch. Sorry I messed it up.

Okey-Panky said my story made their final round, but they had to say no.

This was from a series of stories that were a little closer to regular life than I normally write. It's interesting to see what the response is! I don't know if it's a style I'll stick with, but it was something that felt necessary for a while.

Today is Thanksgiving and I'm thankful to have received my rejection from Hedgebrook. 1,779 applications for 40 spots - it's hard to feel bad about not getting that. They said that while I didn't advance to the final round this year, my application resonated with readers. That seems like a tiered rejection? Dunno. In any case, I am full of turkey and already in my pajamas at 8pm and working on a story, so all is well in the world.

The Kenyon Review rejected the story I sent them and Crazyhorse sent an encouraging note.

I feel like there has been an uptick in encouraging notes lately, which has me wondering if my stories have improved or if they're the same but people pay attention to some of the stuff in my bio now. What if they're worse? Here are the feelings of self-doubt that never go away, served up with honesty.

I do, however, have a story in the new issue of New South available for order here. It's about being spooked in the South and alligators and boo hags and ex-boyfriends. I especially love the story by Lindsey Drager also in the issue. So much to admire. So grateful to be included.